Synthetic slate roofing, also known as composite roofing, has grown in popularity over the last 25+ years despite its existence in the United States since the early 1900s. Today, this roofing material is loved for its high durability, stylish appearance, easy maintenance, and money-saving features.
The success of synthetic roofing depends on the materials used and the way it’s designed. When compared to other synthetic slate roofing brands, DaVinci’s synthetic slate wins by a landslide. Keep reading to see all the reasons we recommend this US-based brand.
DaVinci synthetic slate tiles are made from engineered polymer and virgin resin. These materials create roof tiles that are fire-retardent, heat-resistant, and protected against UV exposure. Unlike natural slate tiles, synthetic slate tiles aren’t susceptible to rotting, chipping, cracking, breaking, or damage from wildlife and insects. These synthetic tiles are also protected against fungi, mold, and algae.
A common issue with natural slate is how heavy it is. Natural slate is so heavy that it frequently requires additional roof support during installation. DaVinci synthetic slate tiles solve this problem by being lightweight and easy to install. Because of its lightweight properties, synthetic slate roofing can be used for almost any type of house. Best of all, synthetic slate roofs are low-maintenance while being considerably cheaper and longer lasting than natural slate roofing.
Part of the aesthetic appeal of synthetic slate roofing is how realistic it looks. DaVinci’s synthetic slate tiles mimic the style of natural slate roofs with chisel marks and grooves. To do this, DaVinci creates molds from natural slate. These molds then produce tiles that are non-repeating and look like genuine slate. While DaVinci’s synthetic slate tiles are not made with recycled materials, the tiles themselves are 100% recyclable.
Additionally, DaVinci offers “Cool Roof Colors” that don’t absorb heat. By choosing roof colors that reflect sunlight, your home will stay cooler and your electric bill will be lower. When creating roof tiles, DaVinci ensures colors reach the whole way through and aren’t just surface coats.
Synthetic slate roofing works well in all climates and locations because of its heavy-duty durability and lifetime limited warranty that keep homeowners protected. DaVinci synthetic slate roofs are especially popular for commercial and residential buildings in locations that frequently get major storms and extreme weather. These roofs hold up against strong winds, heavy rain, snow, hail, salty air, and sea spray so homeowners don’t have to frequently repair or replace their roofs.
DaVinci synthetic slate roofing is excellent for homes in areas with heavy and frequent snowfall. Homeowners don’t have to worry about snow sitting on their roofs as synthetic slate allows snow to slide right off. So not only are these roofs strong enough to endure ice and snow storms, they prevent snow from laying and gathering on top of houses. However, if snow sliding off your roof is something that concerns you, snow guards can easily be installed for additional safety.
DaVinci synthetic slate roofs are durable enough to endure decades of rough weather conditions without the roof materials wearing down. These tiles are waterproof and don’t absorb moisture, which ensures homeowners won’t experience any issues with warped or expanded tiles when temperatures shift. In addition to these other protective features, DaVinci’s synthetic tiles have a special rib structure that prevents them from curling no matter what weather conditions they’re exposed to.
DaVinci is the top brand in synthetic roofing and has passed tests on material durability for Miami-Dade County, the Texas Department of Insurance, and High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. This brand’s synthetic slate tiles specifically have gotten the best ratings for both impact and fire resistance.
Synthetic slate created by DaVinci has an impact 4 rating, the highest rating for roof durability. This test is done by dropping steel balls on the roofing material to see how well it will withstand hail and impact. Because Impact 4 roofing protects the home against damage and repairs, homeowners with this type of roofing see their home insurance rates lowered and their home value raised. Even in negative temperatures, DaVinci slate tiles don’t crack or break when hit.
These tiles are protected against wildfires and are created with materials that lower the risk of fire spreading. Just like impact damage, DaVinci synthetic slate roofing has the highest rating for fire resistance, a Class A rating. To get this rating, roofs must pass 3 different types of fire activity tests.
First, tiles are subjected to 2 minutes of bursting flames with 2 minutes of rest in between each session. This is done 15 times and in order to pass this test, the roof must come out still functional with the roof deck unharmed.
The next test exposes roof tiles to wind and fire for 10 minutes straight. Again, if there is any sign of the roof being unable to function after this test, it doesn’t pass.
Lastly, the roof tiles are put to the test against a burning brand and wind. The fiery brand is set on the roof tiles for 90 consecutive minutes with air blowing on it. The roof tiles pass this last test if the brand is unable to burn through the roof. To put it simply, Class A fire-resistant roof tiles must resist surface fire-spreading, withstand intermittent blasts of fire, and prevent fire from burning through the roof decking below.
Historical homes have many requirements for new roofing and renovations. Over the years, DaVinci synthetic slate tiles have been frequently approved and used to replace roofs on historic buildings. These tiles are perfect for preserving a historic home’s appearance and functionality as they are lightweight and match in style and color.
Replacing a roof on an old building can come with many problems, including the building not being able to withstand the weight of a new roof. DaVinci synthetic slate roofing is easy to install and light enough to avoid any issues with the building below. Additionally, DaVinci can create custom colors to complement or replicate a building’s unique colors. This is especially beneficial to historic and old buildings where matching colors and maintaining a vintage style can be challenging.
At E&E Contracting, we’ve done many projects featuring DaVinci synthetic slate roofing and highly recommend these beautiful, stylish roofs that last decades. These strong roof tiles are worth the investment and are highly praised by homeowners across the US. Get started on your own project by speaking with one of our roofing specialists and requesting a free estimate.
Countertops are a big aspect of making your kitchen match your style and desired utility. Your counters alone can completely change the way your kitchen looks, feels, and functions. Over the years, design and technology have evolved to create high-quality countertop options for various budgets, styles, durability needs, and household lifestyles. With old trends returning and new trends beginning, there are always excellent materials and designs to choose from that are worth the investment!
Upfront Costs: $-$$
Laminate countertops are known for being more affordable than other countertop materials. While these countertops can be difficult to repair, they’re durable and function well in high-traffic kitchens. With little maintenance required, including being easy to clean, laminate countertops are adaptable and hold up against kids, frequent baking, and daily cooking.
These counters are nonporous so you don’t have to worry about resealing them as they don’t absorb water or harbor bacteria, mold, and stains. However, laminate countertops are easily damaged by heat so you should never place a hot pan on them. Once damage has been done to laminate counters, they’re near impossible to repair.
If increasing your home value is a priority when renovating your kitchen, you’ll want to avoid laminate countertops. Because this material is more budget-friendly it doesn’t add much to your home’s value and has visible seams. However, don’t let that stop you from considering laminate counters as they still have a lot to offer!
These countertops are great for people who want a particular style or color as there are many options to choose from. Today, these countertops come in many different patterns, colors, and designs. From natural stone to rustic wood, laminate countertops have evolved to look more aesthetically pleasing and unique for a fraction of the price. Best of all, laminate counters are easy to clean and don’t need routine maintenance. If your top countertop priorities are affordability, different options, and little to no maintenance, laminate countertops are a great choice.
Upfront Costs: $-$$
Ceramic tile countertops have been around for decades and can give kitchens their own vibrant, distinct, and personalized looks. While ceramic tile is one of the cheaper countertop materials, some tiles are more expensive than others. This countertop material has countless options for colors, patterns, and designs that fit any budget.
Unfortunately, tile countertops can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The grout on tile counters stains very easily and needs to be cleaned often to reduce this. However, one solution to avoid stained grout is to choose a grout that is darker in color. With darker grout, stains won’t be as noticeable.
Another downside to ceramic tile counters is their uneven surfaces. Because these counters have grooves and dips, baking and cooking on tile countertops can be frustrating. Furthermore, ceramic tile countertops are less durable than other materials and can easily crack. That being said, ceramic tiles give you the ability to completely personalize your kitchen space with tiles in all colors and styles.
If you love the look of ceramic tiles in your kitchen but don’t want the frequent cleaning and upkeep that comes with these counters, consider using ceramic tile as your backsplash. With a ceramic tile backsplash, you can still achieve that look minus the extra work.
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Butcher block countertops are a great choice for homeowners going for a rustic but contemporary look. These counters are created by gluing small planks of wood together so each countertop is unique. Butcher block countertops are generally more affordable than stone countertops, but it really depends on the countertops’ type of wood, wood grain, thickness, and design. Some popular wood species used for these counters include teak, maple, ash, cherry, oak, acacia, birch, and bamboo.
If you like butcher block countertops but want to lower your carbon footprint, bamboo is the most environmentally friendly option. In addition to being better for the environment, bamboo is one of the more affordable wood species. Although it may be tempting, these countertops shouldn’t be used as a cutting board. Cutting food directly on your butcher block counters can change the evenness and feel of the countertop’s surface.
Homeowners interested in butcher block countertops should be aware this material takes a lot of work and needs to be resealed every 6 months or twice a year to reduce the risk of staining and warping. The first year you have your butcher block counters, you need to follow an extensive sealing process to ensure your butcher block is fully protected. This sealing schedule starts with applying a coat once a day for a week. After the first week, you’ll apply a coat once a week for the timespan of a month. Once the first month ends, you’ll move on to applying a coat once a month for a year.
Resealing your butcher block countertops is important to keep the wood from holding bacteria, trapping moisture, cracking, and warping. Additionally, because they’re made from wood, butcher block counters may shrink and expand during seasonal temperature changes. That being said, these counters can be easily repaired with some light sanding to remove stains and shallow scratches. All you need to keep your butcher block countertops clean is some mild soap and water or vinegar.
Upfront Costs: $$-$$$
Quartz countertops are a mix of resin and natural quartz. These counters have an appearance that’s shiny, glossy, and similar to marble countertops while costing much less. They are very durable and good for kitchens that get heavy use as they’re resistant to stains, scratches, chips, dents, and cracks. However, these counters are susceptible to heat damage so trivets are always needed when handling hot pots and pans.
Quartz counters have a lower maintenance level than many other types of countertops. While other counters need routine resealing to make sure they stay resistant to moisture, bacteria, and staining, these countertops never need to be resealed because they’re nonporous and won’t absorb moisture. You can choose to reseal your counters for extra protection, but this isn’t necessary.
These heavy-duty and low-maintenance countertops are great additions to many kitchens and household lifestyles. For homeowners who want the style of stone countertops with a lower price tag and less upkeep, quartz countertops have some excellent options
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Granite countertops are uniquely patterned and very durable. Because they’re beautiful and able to withstand plenty of use, granite counters are one of the most popular types of counters. Despite their popularity, these countertops cannot be done as a DIY project. Granite counters are very heavy and will need to be installed by a professional to avoid damaging your cabinets below.
Countertops made from granite need to be resealed once every 1 to 5 years to ensure protection against bacteria and prevent moisture absorption. Even though they need to be resealed every few years, granite counters are still lower maintenance than many other natural stone countertops. Granite is stain-resistant and easy to clean so it doesn’t require any special cleaning supplies, just some mild soap and water.
One easy way to see if your granite countertops need to be resealed is to pour a bit of water on your counters and let the water sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the time is up, wipe away the water on the counter and check for a dark spot. You don’t want your counter absorbing the water so if the counter has a dark spot where the water was sitting, it needs to be resealed.
One feature of granite countertops that attracts many homeowners is the ability to add original, unrepeatable counters to their kitchens. No homes with granite countertops are going to have the same granite pattern. Additionally, even though granite countertops are made from natural stone, there are multiple colors homeowners can choose from. If you’re looking for a countertop that is lasting, hardwearing, easy to clean, and comes in different styles, granite countertops may be for you.
Upfront Costs: $$$+
Concrete countertops are great for homeowners wanting a farmhouse or industrial-style kitchen. That being said, these countertops cost more money and need more upkeep than other countertop materials. Concrete counters are generally custom-made and need to be done by professionals as they’re heavy and, if improperly installed, can damage the cabinets below.
These countertops are scratch resistant and hold up well against high temperatures, however, they are porous and easily absorb moisture which can lead to stains and bacteria. To avoid this, you’ll need to reseal your concrete countertops every 1 to 3 years depending on your specific counters and sealant. To keep your concrete counters protected and in good condition, use non-abrasive cleaners and cloth.
Unfortunately, concrete countertops have a high likelihood of cracking over time from things like appliances tightening, readjustments, and houses settling. These countertops are likely to shrink when temperatures change which can create hairline cracks. While the likelihood of cracks and shrinking happening are lower when you go with a professional, concrete can naturally shrink on its own. Thankfully, there are various ways to repair cracks in concrete countertops such as latex caulking, silicone caulking, and epoxies.
Concrete countertops are customizable and great for homeowners wanting a unique kitchen. There are different dyes available that give concrete countertops beautiful shades to match your home and create bursts of color. These counters are precast and installed in your home so you don’t have to wait a month for them to fully set.
Upfront Costs: $$$+
Marble countertops are beautifully unique but have a high price tag. These countertops are seen as timeless and sophisticated with various colors and one-of-a-kind patterns. Despite their popularity, marble counters aren’t a good fit for frequently used kitchens as they’re high maintenance and very susceptible to stains, scratches, etches, and chips. In fact, damage to marble counters is frequently caused by common acidic foods and drinks such as lemon juice, tomato, wine, vinegar, and coffee.
Homeowners who frequently work with dough, pasta, and chocolate will enjoy the marble countertops’ naturally cool temperature which is perfect for these foods. However, despite their natural coolness, you should never place a hot pan directly on your marble countertops as this can damage them.
Although they can be easily damaged, these counters aren’t too difficult to repair and clean. That being said, you’ll need to regularly reseal marble countertops every 6 months to 1 year to keep them protected. To remove shallow scratches and water stains, you can buff out your countertop with #0000 steel wool. When you clean your marble counters, you should use 12% hydrogen peroxide, a little ammonia, and a non-abrasive cloth. With routine maintenance, marble countertops will remain durable and beautiful for years to come.
Upfront Costs: $$$+
Stainless steel countertops aren’t just for restaurants, they also look great in residential homes with their clean, industrial appearance. As evidenced by their place in restaurant kitchens, stainless steel countertops are heavy-duty and perfect for kitchens that are frequently used. While these counters are generally more expensive than other countertop materials, they are much more durable and require less upkeep.
Resistant to heat and rust, stainless steel counters don’t need resealing and, unlike other countertop materials, aren’t harmed by liquids or acidic foods. However, it’s important to clean up spills on your stainless steel counters immediately as the longer it sits, the harder it can be to clean. Overall though, these counters are very easy to clean and aren’t damaged by strong cleaners.
One downside to stainless steel countertops is the material can be very noisy. They also need to be wiped down frequently to remove water spots and fingerprints, which show up easily on stainless steel. Like other countertops, you shouldn’t cut directly on your stainless steel counters. You need to always use a cutting board to keep your countertop in good condition and free from dents and scratches.
Picking high-quality stainless steel is important when choosing countertops of this material. The higher the quality, the less likely you are to dent or scratch your stainless steel counters. If choosing a clean, durable, and environmentally friendly countertop material is important to you, these 100% recyclable counters may be a perfect fit for your home.
When choosing the countertop material that best suits your lifestyle, home, and family, keep in mind what counter features are top priorities for you. By making a list of what you find most important in your kitchen, deciding on a countertop will be much easier. To get more tips and guidance on remodeling your home interior and exterior, check out E&E Contracting’s monthly blog. Have a renovation project or home addition in mind? Get started today by receiving your free quote and speaking with a building professional.
When it comes to what to do when you are unhappy with aspects of your home, the answer is not always a simple one. At times the answer to the question ‘should I relocate?’ may actually be ‘renovate’ instead! And, vice versa. So, how do you know when it is better to move or to stay put? We are going to examine a few cases where moving may be the better option and where renovating would likely be.
You’ve been at your house for years and your family has outgrown the space that you’ve available in your floor plan. You can certainly consider adding on an additional space to your home, but what if the constraints of your acreage limit your ability to do so? Possibly even more limiting is if you own an attached or semi detached home you may not be able to add on an addition without affecting your neighboring properties negatively. Or, the opposite may be true, your kids have grown up and moved out and you find yourself empty nesting in too much house.
In either of these situations it may make the most dollars and sense to sell your home and move as opposed to renovating an existing property.
If you are working within an unconstrained budget for your housing project, the best option may be to start from scratch and work with a builder on a customized home that ticks all the boxes of what you are looking for in your next abode. Or, there may be another home on the market that may appeal in terms of existing square footage, floor plans and attached acreage.
No matter how much thought you put into renovating your home, if the location is utterly wrong, renovations aren’t going to fix a poor location. For example, if you are raising a young family but live along a particularly busy or overly noisy street, selling your home may be the best option. Any number of factors can contribute to a home’s location not being the ideal. If they are factors that are outside your control as the homeowner, it may be less stress and healthier for you and your family to consider buying a new home.
Have you found your dream home and it is located in an absolutely idyllic spot, but there are a few updates or changes you would like? Then let’s talk about how renovating your home is the solution. Because let’s face it – location, location, location can really add to the value and the enjoyment of your property. If there are a few small details you would like to edit or add, renovation is a viable solution.
And, if you have a great location but the house is not quite meeting your space requirements with growing kids or maybe mom wanting a new sewing room or in-home office, or dad seeking the addition of a den or study – adding an addition to your home is an effective problem solver.
If your home is just the right size for you and yours, but needs some updates and cosmetic improvements – look no further than renovations! Maybe you need new windows and doors, or the siding could use a refresh, or the roofing is reaching the end of its useful life, or maybe you have always wanted to try updating the exterior of your home with stone veneer; all of these are realities with the right-sized home!
Even the right-sized home can benefit from additional square footage. This could take the shape of building a new room or adding outdoor living space, such as a deck.
If your budget is more limited, remodeling an existing space can bring new life to that space without breaking the bank. Additionally, home values on the real estate market have skyrocketed in recent years, making renovations a more attractive option for a smaller budget. Do you have questions regarding what you can accomplish with the budget you have available? Don’t hesitate to contact E&E Contracting, we would be happy to help you strategize what options you have for renovating your home. We also offer complimentary quoting for renovation projects.
Have you determined that your home is due for some exterior remodeling? If so, now it’s time to decide who will do the job for you. Hiring the right exterior remodeling contractor is crucial, but finding one doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out our tips for selecting a trustworthy contractor so that when it’s time to begin your project, you’ll be confident about the changes ahead.
Finding the right exterior remodeling contractor starts with knowing yourself and your house inside and out. Plan ahead of time, and determine what you want to change and how. What style, materials, and/or aesthetic are you looking for? Aim to be as precise as possible regarding the final outcome of your project, and don’t forget to consider the materials you wish to use and the funds available in your budget.
If you have a strategy in place ahead of time, it’ll be easier to acquire a more accurate estimate from potential contractors and compare them.
Finding a qualified licensed contractor to take on your project is easiest when you ask around or use word-of-mouth recommendations. Find out from family, friends, and neighbors who they’d recommend. Be sure to ask them specific questions about their experience such as what went well, how the contractor dealt with issues, and whether or not he or she would work with the same contractor again.
As you collect some recommendations, begin making a list and narrowing it down to 5-10 contractors you’d like to learn more about and potentially work with.
Once you’ve gathered a list of suggestions, begin your due diligence by doing some research on the contractors of interest. Take a look at their websites and be sure to check out online reviews from previous clients. After that, give the contractors a call and conduct a brief “phone interview.” Be sure to ask plenty of questions, such as:
By getting the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to gauge a contractor’s availability, dependability, and overall efficiency.
After speaking with several contractors over the phone, narrow down three or four that you’d like to meet face-to-face for additional discussion. During your meetings, make an effort to gain a sense of the contractor’s work ethic, priorities, and dedication.
Never be afraid to ask questions, either. Being thorough now can save you time and frustration in the long run. It’s important that your contractor can answer all of your questions in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Because this individual will be in your house for several hours at a time, it’s essential that you communicate well with one another, too.
During your meetings with the contractors, request to see some of the projects that they have worked on in the past. If you’re satisfied with their work, ask for references from previous clients and give them a call. Inquire about the performance of the contractors in completing the projects. Were they on schedule and within budget? Are the customers happy with the end result? Is there anything that could have been done differently?
When you hire an exterior remodeling contractor, remember that you are purchasing a service rather than a product. The quality of service has a direct impact on the final outcome of the project.
Lastly, it’s time to get quotes from the contractors on your list, and don’t let price be your guide! The cheapest bids may be tempting, but they aren’t necessarily the best choice. The most important thing for you to focus on is ensuring a high-quality service and installation process.
Start the negotiation process after you’ve found a bid you like. Before the project begins, make sure the contract is thorough and that you understand it. Once the remodeling work is underway, good communication is essential to the project’s success.
If you’re on the hunt for an exterior remodeling contractor for your project, be sure to consider E&E General Contracting. We are committed to helping you achieve your construction dreams while providing an excellent customer experience. Get in touch with us today for a risk-free complimentary estimate and consultation.
Whether you are a longtime or brand-new homeowner, you’re probably equally invested in making sure your home portrays your unique style choices both inside and outside. What better way to boost your home’s curb appeal this fall season, than by complimenting the addition of gourds, scarecrows, and autumn colors with a new or retouched front door? Your entrance way is a great way to add character into your home. Read on to learn how to decide if it is time for a repair, retouched, or new doorway!
If you think about your front door like a piece of art, imagine the collage photo you could make of your entryway over the years, as you opt for different colors to suit the seasons! Why not have fun exploring the rainbow, albeit, in the confines of your doorway? Brighten up the neighborhood mood with a charming canary yellow, or stand out with a deep blue to drive home Victorian revival color schemes.
Word to the wise: don’t forget that half of the secret of a quality paint job is the preparation you put in before coating with product! You should be sure to sand down rough areas, and remove damaged paint before applying additional coats. Also be sure to obtain enough depending on the color, if more than one coat will be needed. You may also take the opportunity to match your shutters, especially if the last time you invested in those was at the same time as your door.
Talk about one do-it-yourself home project you can tackle in a morning or afternoon before the kids or your spouse get home. Although it will require a bit of elbow grease, replacing old and worn front door hardware is another simple way to put a new spin on your old front door.
One trick of the trade is being willing to seek out and stock hardware from Good Will or reuse stores, which often provide quality items if you are willing to look through items in true flea market fashion. For those who know what they want, you can employ websites online for specialty items, or seek out products personally at your local home repair store.
Similar to the rest of your door, you can also decorate or re-fashion hardware to match your style by using different sealers, paints or finishes (be sure to match the type of product you use with the material).
Sometimes all a door needs is a little TLC to come back to life – but sometimes a door is just too old and tired to spruce up. Over years of use and exposure to the elements, some doors are just too far gone to repair. And let’s face it, some of us just don’t have the time to invest in that kind of home repair right now. For situations like this, just replacing your door might save you a lot of hassle.
Whether you are looking for a selection that offers ample sunlight through large, paneled windows, or solid, sturdy options intended to provide additional privacy and security, we have a model for you.
What’s even better than a large selection of designer models? Customizing an entryway to fit your unique personality, preference and style. We can work with any shape, size or style specifications that you can think of.
Have you decided a new entryway is in the cards this fall? If so, visit our project example gallery to learn more about how our window and door options can add to the elegance of your property while making it memorable at every glance.
We are happy to help you select the perfect replacement windows or doors, as well, and offer a wide variety of manufacturers, materials and styles to suit your preferences. Put our field-tested knowledge to work for you today! Learn how to contact us below.
